Thursday, January 29, 2015

By Ines Flores


Planning for retirement is very important. Many people are living longer today, and therefore, it is possible for a person to live another twenty or thirty years after they stop working. To ensure that this period of your life is a good one, there are lots of tips you might want to consider for how to retire comfortably and happy.

Some employers have traditional pension plans, although this is becoming rare these days. If your company offers this, you should check whether you are covered by the pension plan. If so, ask for a benefit statement so that you can see what your benefits are worth. If you plan to change your job, be sure to ask if your pension benefits can be transferred to the new employer.

You also need to create a spending plan or budget for when you stop working. To have enough income, it is a good idea to use a combination of your Social Security benefits, any pension provided by your employer, and your own personal investments. Ensure that you are very frugal with your nest egg, and do not withdraw more than four percent per year. Spending too much can cause your nest egg to dwindle down too soon.

If you decide to open an IRA, you can choose between a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA account. Your taxes, contributions and withdrawals will be different depending on which one you select. IRAs can be set it up so that the money is automatically deducted from your account every pay day and deposited in the IRA.

It also helps if you have a supportive spouse who shares your goals. You are going to have to decide if one spouse will retire before the other, or whether you will do it at the same time. This may create a shift in household responsibilities if one person continues working while the other suddenly has more free time, so be sure that you talk this through before the change happens.

If you are behind in your savings goals, or you currently have a lot of debt, do not worry. Start saving small amounts and increase this with each pay raise you receive. The sooner you begin to save, the more time you are giving your money to grow with compound interest.

Studies show that people who remain mentally and physically active when they stop working tend to live longer and happier lives. If your career did not give you enough time to pursue your personal hobbies, this is a perfect time to spend more time on what interests you.

You should also find out about your Social Security benefits that you may be entitled to. Social Security normally pays you a benefit that is equal to forty percent of your earnings before you retire. You can estimate your benefits by using the Social Security Administration website or calling them for more information.




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